What changes has KCRW made in response to federal funding cuts?

KCRW has restructured its organization, resulting in a 10% reduction in staff, including the departure of several iconic music DJs like Jason Kramer, Jeremy Sole, and José Galván. The station has also made programming changes, such as relocating the "The Treatment" interview series to "Weekend Edition."

What is the current state of KCRW's operations?

Despite the challenges, KCRW remains committed to its core mission and continues to have a strong membership base and growing audience. The station is adapting to the loss of federal funding and the changing media landscape, but is determined to remain a vital part of the Southern California community.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / KCRW Trims 10% of Staff, Loses Iconic DJs Amid Federal Funding Cuts

KCRW Trims 10% of Staff, Loses Iconic DJs Amid Federal Funding Cuts

Q: How is KCRW adapting to the changing media landscape?

In addition to the staffing and programming changes, KCRW has launched new digital initiatives like the Dance24 and Vintage24 streams, as well as new shows like "The Sam Sanders Show" and "Question Everything." The station is working to position itself for the long term and meet the evolving media consumption habits of its audience.

18 Oct

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Summary

KCRW cuts 10% of staff, including well-known music DJs
Station restructures in response to loss of federal funding
Programming changes include new on-air music schedule and DJs

KCRW Trims 10% of Staff, Loses Iconic DJs Amid Federal Funding Cuts

In the face of further budget cuts following the Trump administration's elimination of federal funding for public media, the local public radio station KCRW has been forced to make difficult decisions. As of 18 October 2025, the station has trimmed an additional 10% of its staff, including several of its most well-known music DJs such as Jason Kramer, Jeremy Sole, and José Galván.

The changes also include the relocation of host Elvis Mitchell's long-running interview series "The Treatment" to be featured within "Weekend Edition." KCRW general manager Jennifer Ferro explained that these decisions were made after careful consideration to position the station for the long term, as it adapts to both the loss of federal dollars and the evolving media consumption habits of its audience.

While this moment is undoubtedly challenging for KCRW, the station remains committed to its core mission of strengthening the community, fostering connections, and providing courageous and inspirational content. Despite the staffing and programming changes, KCRW continues to have a strong membership base and a growing audience, and it has recently launched new digital initiatives like the Dance24 and Vintage24 streams, as well as new shows like "The Sam Sanders Show" and "Question Everything."